‘unscientific speed breakers’ probe ordered

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 07, 2018: Lokayukta P. Vishwanatha Shetty on May 5, Saturday ordered initiating suo motu proceedings against Mangaluru City Corporation and Mangaluru City Police for erecting speed breakers across the city in an “unscientific” manner thereby inconveniencing motorists.

Acting on a private complaint, Lokayukta Judge Shetty said, “Indiscriminate erection of road/ speed breakers without following the required guidelines/ regulation by the authorities in my considered view amounts to maladministration by the authorities within the meaning of Section 2 (10) of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act.”

“Therefore, I am instituting suo motu proceedings and directing an investigation. Therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred on me under Section 7 (1) (b) and 9 of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, I find it appropriate to initiate suo motu proceedings to investigate the grievance.”

“For this purpose, it is necessary to call for comments/report from the authorities — The Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner (Development) of Mangaluru City Corporation and the Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Mangaluru — and implead them as respondents to the proceedings and issue notices to them,” he said. Mr. Shetty asked the officers to submit comments/report along with copies of recommendations made by the Indian Road Congress (IRC) Code 99-1998 and other relevant regulations governing erection of speed breakers framed either by the municipal corporation or traffic authorities or any other authorities of Mangaluru on or before June 14. He has issued a direction to list the case on June 14.

The Lokayukta had earlier said, “While I am fully conscious that speed breakers are erected by the authorities keeping in mind public interest and safety, it is needless to point out that the speed breakers are required to be erected strictly in accordance with the recommendations made by the IRC.”

As the city corporation and the Traffic Police continued to erect plastic speed breakers across the city despite bringing to their notice such speed breakers were dangerous to the public, the complainant made the plea before the Lokayukta to ask the authorities concerned to discharge their duties properly.